The Federal Fire Service (FFS) says it will establish a nationwide task force on fire safety compliance, following the September 16 fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
Gatekeepers News reports that the six-storey building housed major organisations, including a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and United Capital Plc. The incident claimed the lives of several employees from FIRS and United Capital.
In a statement on Thursday, Samuel Olumode, Controller-General of the FFS, said:
“In a decisive move to prevent a recurrence, the Service will roll out a nationwide Task Force on Fire Safety Compliance to audit public and private buildings, enforce safety standards, sanction non-compliance, train facility managers and staff, and strengthen collaboration with regulatory agencies.”
Olumode acknowledged public concern over the tragedy, stressing that enforcement of safety regulations must be taken more seriously.
“It is not enough to install fire safety equipment, but essential to maintain it, ensure functionality and train staff,” he said.
According to him, an investigation team has been deployed to determine the cause of the fire, review safety systems, and assess compliance with regulations. He assured that the findings would be made public and implemented without delay.
The FFS urged facility owners to review their safety preparedness, secure inverter and generator rooms, unblock exit routes, ensure alarms are functional, and train staff regularly. Members of the public were also advised to report safety breaches and cooperate with inspection teams.
The human cost of the incident continues to unfold. On Wednesday, the FIRS confirmed the death of four of its staff members. A day later, United Capital announced that six of its employees also lost their lives in the blaze.
